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I have wingers and a five shooter, I use the TT electronics so I use quack sound to help the dogs out with the wingers, If the dog is lost on the 5 shooter and I have a shot left I will try sound which usually works, if not I will shoot another bumper.

Quack sound CAN help, but it also tends to draw the dog in to the winger, not out to the mark! You could also put two wingers up for one mark if you know it may cause problems, so you are ready for a second shot. If you are doing doubles without help, and you can't afford more wingers or launchers, you are going to have to handle. It sucks as a help method.

Like you, I train alone with just 2 wingers. I sometimes scent the area of the fall for the memory bird. Helps keep the dog in the area, and thus increases the chance of finding the bird. If she doesn't get to the area of the fall, I handle her to it.

If I'm training alone with wingers I try to set up marks my dog should be able to do without help, and run singles off multiple guns. If I really need to school a concept I'll put two wingers in one location for help if I absolutely need it. I'll save the tougher marks for when I can get together with a group. I have been known to set up a tougher scenario than I thought it would be and had to handle, but I would rather train for confidence and simplyfy the marks.

I'll repeat what my Mom taught me. If you put it on your plate, you are going to eat it. So before asking for double servings of broccoli & brussel sprouts make sure you like them. Handling on marks is as distasteful to me as broccoli & brussel sprouts. So I work hard not to pile it on my plate.

I am in a similar situation with 2 working wingers. When I work on memory with a difficult mark, I use the following scenerio. Put both wingers in one spot. Throw the mark with one winger. Leave the mark & run a blind that will add suction to the factors already present. Now run the mark. The second winger can now throw another bird if needed.

At this point in my life, I have a bird boy when I can bribe or con my 12 year old into throwing birds. The best option is for me to throw marks & Gray run my dogs.

I would set the two wingers together for a spare throw if needed and hand throw the go bird from the line or walk out a bit and throw it. Or if you need an easier memory bird than hand throw first and then the winger. If the dog starts to break down throw the second winger before the dog is far off course. Avoid handling unless it is an older dog and is breaking down due to factors.